Hurricane Melissa Leaves Extensive Damage Across Eastern Cuba, Aid Efforts Underway

Eastern Cuba Grapples with Hurricane Melissa's Aftermath

Four days after Hurricane Melissa made landfall, communities across eastern Cuba, most notably in Granma and Santiago de Cuba provinces, are contending with extensive damage. The powerful storm, which struck Cuba as a Category 3 or 4 hurricane on October 29, 2025, has left a trail of destruction affecting critical infrastructure, essential services, and agricultural sectors.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed 'extensive damage' across the affected regions, urging the population to maintain vigilance. The hurricane, ranked among the three strongest in Cuba's meteorological history, brought sustained winds of up to 195 km/h (120 mph) and torrential rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 25 inches.

Infrastructure and Service Disruptions Widespread

The impact on infrastructure is severe and far-reaching. Preliminary figures indicate over 60,000 homes have been damaged, a number expected to rise as assessments continue, with entire towns submerged. Many communities in Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín provinces remain isolated due to blocked roads and damaged railway lines, including the critical Central Line.

Essential services have been profoundly affected. Widespread power outages persist across the eastern provinces, with many areas still without electricity. Telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber optic cables, internet, and telephone services, has also been disrupted. The damage extends to public institutions, with at least 287 health facilities and nearly 600 educational centers reporting structural damage, impacting over 100,000 students and leaving more than 670,000 students out of school.

Humanitarian Concerns and Agricultural Losses Mount

The humanitarian situation is critical, exacerbated by an existing arbovirus outbreak in the region. Ahead of the storm, over 735,000 people were evacuated to shelters, a measure credited with preventing fatalities in Cuba despite the storm's intensity. Rescue and evacuation operations are ongoing, with military personnel assisting in reaching isolated communities.

Cuba's vital agricultural sector has suffered significant losses. More than 40,000 hectares of crops, primarily banana plantations, have been damaged, with over 40% of vegetable production affected. The fishing sector has also reported major damage to boats and storage facilities, further impacting livelihoods.

International Aid Mobilized for Recovery Efforts

In response to the crisis, international assistance has begun to arrive. Countries such as China, Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico have initiated aid deliveries. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 15 million Swiss francs (USD 18 million) to support the Cuban Red Cross in assisting 100,000 people. UN system agencies are also implementing rapid-response mechanisms, with an action plan expected to be presented soon to coordinate further international support.

The recovery effort is anticipated to be extensive, particularly as eastern Cuba was still rebuilding from Hurricane Oscar in October 2024. Authorities and aid organizations are focusing on immediate relief, including providing shelter, clean water, food, and medical supplies, while also planning for long-term reconstruction and resilience-building.